How long is the waitlist for Section 8?

Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.

211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.

Can single dads get TANF?

Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.

Housing & Financial in North Dakota

12 verified resources.

About Housing & Financial for Fathers

Housing and financial assistance for fathers comes through a combination of federal programs (HUD, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP) and state/local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with long waitlists in most markets. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing are funded through the federal Continuum of Care program — every region has a Coordinated Entry system that assesses and places homeless adults and families. Rental assistance, utility assistance (LIHEAP), and one-time emergency funds are available through community action agencies and 211 referral lines. Fathers with children in their custody may qualify for Section 8 family priority and TANF, though state rules vary. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 call lines, and community action agencies that serve single dads.

Housing & Financial in North Dakota

North Dakota district courts handle family matters across seven judicial districts. The Child Support Division operates under DHHS. Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are the largest cities. Legal Services of North Dakota is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

12 Resources

1. North Dakota Housing Finance Agency — Free

State agency offering affordable rental housing programs, homebuyer mortgages, down-payment assistance, and foreclosure prevention counseling for North Dakota families. The Bismarck office on Vermont Avenue is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 328-8080 to learn which programs you qualify for. Most services are free. Bring photo ID, recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a list of monthly debts when meeting with a counselor.

(701) 328-8080 · 2624 Vermont Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority — Free

Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for low-income families in Fargo and Cass County. The Broadway office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 293-6262 to ask about waitlist status and application requirements. Services are free for applicants. Fathers with custody can apply as head of household. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for everyone in the household, pay stubs, and a rental history list.

(701) 293-6262 · 325 Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Bismarck Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and rental assistance programs for low-income families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities across the Bismarck-Mandan area. The N 14th Street office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 255-2540 to check waitlist and application status. Services are free for applicants. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, recent pay stubs or benefits letters, and a rental history list.

(701) 255-2540 · 2801 N 14th St, Bismarck, ND 58503 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

4. Community Action Partnership of ND — Free

Statewide network offering housing assistance, weatherization, energy assistance, Head Start, and financial-stability programs for low-income North Dakota families. The Fargo office on S University Drive is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 232-2452 to be connected with your regional agency. Most services are free. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for household members, pay stubs or benefits letters, and utility bills.

(701) 232-2452 · 3233 S University Dr, Fargo, ND 58104 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Habitat for Humanity — Fargo-Moorhead — Free

Affordable homeownership opportunities through volunteer-built homes and zero-interest mortgages for qualifying Fargo-Moorhead families, including single-father households. The Fiechtner Drive office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 293-6462 to request an application packet. There is no cost to apply. Bring photo ID, pay stubs or tax returns, rental history, and willingness to complete sweat-equity volunteer hours.

(701) 293-6462 · 3720 Fiechtner Dr S, Fargo, ND 58103 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

6. ND 211 Housing Resources — Free

Free 24/7 helpline connecting North Dakota families with emergency shelter, rental assistance, utility help, and foreclosure counseling through a statewide resource database. Dial 211 anytime from any phone. Specialists can text or email local referrals based on your ZIP code and situation. Useful when facing a shut-off notice or eviction. Have your ZIP code, household size, and a short description of the need ready.

211 · Statewide service · 24/7

7. Grand Forks Housing Authority — Free

Public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs for low-income residents in Grand Forks and the surrounding region. The 1st Avenue N office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 746-2545 to check waitlist status and learn how to apply. Services are free for applicants including single-father households. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, recent pay stubs, and a rental history list.

(701) 746-2545 · 1405 1st Ave N, Grand Forks, ND 58203 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

8. Minot Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing units and rental assistance programs for low-income families in Minot and the northwest North Dakota oil patch region. The S Broadway office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 852-0286 to ask about waitlist status and eligibility. Services are free for applicants. Fathers with court-ordered custody qualify as head of household. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, recent pay stubs, and rental history.

(701) 852-0286 · 1020 S Broadway, Minot, ND 58701 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Dickinson Housing Authority — Free

Affordable housing units and rental assistance programs serving low-income families across southwest North Dakota including Dickinson and Stark County. The 3rd Street W office is open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Call (701) 225-5133 to ask about waitlists and current openings. Services are free for applicants. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, recent pay stubs or benefits letters, and a rental history list.

(701) 225-5133 · 144 3rd St W, Dickinson, ND 58601 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. ND Weatherization Assistance Program — Free

Free home energy-efficiency upgrades including insulation, air sealing, and furnace repair for income-eligible North Dakota households, reducing utility bills for fathers on tight budgets. Coordinated through the state Department of Human Services Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (701) 328-5300. Homeowners and renters may qualify. Bring photo ID, proof of household income, recent utility bills, and the landlord's contact info if you rent.

(701) 328-5300 · 600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58505 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

11. US Department of Housing — ND Resources — Free

Federal housing-assistance programs including Section 8, public housing, and HUD-approved counseling available to North Dakota families through the regional HUD office in Minneapolis. Reach staff Mon-Fri 8am-5pm at (612) 370-3000 or use the hud.gov resource locator. Most programs are free for applicants. Have photo ID, Social Security numbers for the household, proof of income, and a rental history list ready when you apply.

(612) 370-3000 · Federal resource · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

12. Salvation Army — Bismarck Financial Assistance — Free

Emergency rent, utility, and prescription assistance plus food support for low-income families in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The E Broadway Avenue office is open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm. Call (701) 255-3685 to request an appointment. Services are free for qualifying households. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, a current lease or utility shut-off notice, and recent pay stubs or benefits letters.

(701) 255-3685 · 418 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

Housing & Financial — Common Questions

How long is the waitlist for Section 8?: Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.
What does 211 do?: 211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.
Can single dads get TANF?: Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.
What's LIHEAP?: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.